Providence firefighters give 50 rides home on New Year’s Eve
By Bianca Buono
@BBuonoABC6
Providence Police rang in the new year with only one drunk driving arrest overnight.
But that number could have been much higher if not for a special taxi service offered by some local firefighters.
"We like to give back to the community and we thought this was a great way to do it. And regardless of the political climate going on right now, we want the citizens to know that we have their back in any capacity,” said Providence Firefighter Rob Crellin.
That’s why he and fellow firefighter Hans Ramsden volunteered to provide a free taxi service to the city.
"It’s one of the busiest nights of the city for the fire and rescue service,” said Providence Firefighter Hans Ramsden.
And although they weren’t on duty last night, Hans and Rob were just as busy.
The calls started pouring in around 11 Thursday night and didn’t stop until 5 Friday morning.
Ultimately the pair drove around 50 people home in a rented van.
"If we can look to avoid one or more tragedies this is something definitely worth doing,” Ramsden said.
Providence Police say there was only one DUI arrest throughout the night and the two firefighters are happy they may have prevented that number from being much higher.
"It’s one of many programs we do throughout the city but this one last night was certainly one of the most rewarding ones we’ve done recently,” said Ramsden.
The firefighters tell ABC6 because the program was so successful, they’ll be expanding it next year and are looking to do it on all major holidays.
© WLNE-TV 2016
